English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition lock in British English

lock noun

noun
/lɒk/
1

a part of a door, drawer, suitcase etc used for fastening it so that no one can open it. You usually open and close locks with a key, but if you pick a lock, you use something else to open it, often illegally

Example

He slowly turned the key in the lock.

Example

All the windows were fitted with locks.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

a piece of equipment used for preventing someone from using a vehicle, machine etc

Example

Use a steering-wheel lock for your car.

Synonyms and related words
2

a place on a river or canal with a set of gates which open and close to allow boats in. The water can then be moved to a lower or higher level.

Synonyms and related words
3

a way of holding someone so that they cannot move when you are fighting

Synonyms and related words
4

something that prevents information on a computer from being changed or looked at by someone who does not have permission

Synonyms and related words
6

a steering wheel on full lock is turned as far as possible

Example

Even on full lock I couldn't get round the corner.

Synonyms and related words
7

hair

Example

her flowing golden locks

Synonyms and related words
8

a policy to protect something or prevent it from being changed

Example

Under the triple lock pensions guarantee, pensions will rise every year in line with earnings, prices or 2.5%, whichever is higher.

Synonyms and related words
9

used in politics to refer to a policy that will protect something or prevent it from being changed

Example

The PM pledged to keep the "triple lock" system, which ensures the state pension goes up by whichever is higher - inflation, wages or 2.5%.

Example

David Cameron is to unveil a five-year "tax lock" as he pledges people will always be able to keep more of their money under the Tories.

10

to understand something

Example

This will help your clients pick the lock on what is holding them back.

Definition lock in British English